tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30598467.post3566372379274070446..comments2023-08-16T12:07:22.995+00:00Comments on The Daily (Maybe): Playboy CastroJim Jeppshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17410387006098326671noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30598467.post-76070835468523702292008-03-03T14:35:00.000+00:002008-03-03T14:35:00.000+00:00Yes, that's right Charlie - the Cuban state has of...Yes, that's right Charlie - the Cuban state has official acknowledged that previous homophobia was wrong - and its a good point about Raul that perhaps he's preparing to open up by signing up to human rights declarations etc.<BR/><BR/>Unless the US loosens the reins though they will essentially be forcing Cuba to strengthen its ties with Venezuela and other leftist Latin American governments - so much of the future is in their hands. Perhaps now Raul is in they think they can back off without loosing face - particularly if Obama wins the presidency as he is the only one of the three main candidates whose publicly said he wants to talk to the Cuban regime.Jim Jeppshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17410387006098326671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30598467.post-22283622348244117242008-03-03T05:15:00.000+00:002008-03-03T05:15:00.000+00:00On the matter of homophobia in Cuba, it's worth no...On the matter of homophobia in Cuba, it's worth noting that discrimination against lgbt people by the state no longer exists as an policy and overtly the position is pro-lgbt rights - same-sex partnerships are to be legally recognised, gender reassignment surgery will be a possibility for trans people.<BR/><BR/>Raul was a communist before Fidel and so it would be ironic if he pushed for a Chinese model...<BR/><BR/>Most Cubans won't like the Chinese model - it means paying for health and education yourself.<BR/><BR/>I would hope that Raul keeps to the spirit of the times in the americas and opts for greater democratic participation in the economy.Charlie Markshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12770820928636046622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30598467.post-16829765157648932772008-03-02T23:26:00.000+00:002008-03-02T23:26:00.000+00:00RE: I think basically the guy's old and it's time ...RE: I think basically the guy's old and it's time to retire - I don't think there's any reason to suspect foul play - I mean Raul is the left wing brother after all.<BR/><BR/>Joe: That's an interesting link, thanks.Jim Jeppshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17410387006098326671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30598467.post-55169958304291962892008-03-02T20:43:00.000+00:002008-03-02T20:43:00.000+00:00Your last comment was funny, when i found my fathe...Your last comment was funny, when i found my father's playboy's when i was a young child, he told me the same thing. <BR/><BR/>It's true, playboy does have more words than pictures.blackstonehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06486087989322216502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30598467.post-40273540410560573512008-03-01T10:14:00.000+00:002008-03-01T10:14:00.000+00:00Know your own party's history, mate. The Green Par...Know your own party's history, mate. The Green Party was founded based on an article in Playboy.<BR/><BR/>http://another-green-world.blogspot.com/2006/10/short-history-of-green-party-of.htmlJoe Ottenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18380362092159905533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30598467.post-67836247564417932822008-03-01T05:10:00.000+00:002008-03-01T05:10:00.000+00:00We don't even know if Fidel stepped down or was sh...We don't even know if Fidel stepped down or was shoved, if he is dead or alive.<BR/><BR/>Fidel saw what happened to Russia in the 90s, and didn't like it. Raul likes the Chinese model.<BR/><BR/>It will be interesting to see what happens.Frank Partisanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03536211653082893030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30598467.post-38318644283651371462008-03-01T02:44:00.000+00:002008-03-01T02:44:00.000+00:00Gr8 article, Jim. I agree about petitions - though...Gr8 article, Jim. I agree about petitions - though we could do with something stronger...<BR/><BR/>For anyone who's interested: see citizens' initiative (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Initiative) and people's veto (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veto#Switzerland).Charlie Markshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12770820928636046622noreply@blogger.com